Don't be alarmed S /\ !
I'm trying out something
new in letterheads for
the modest young man. 
This one is particularly
appealing because it's so
conservative ---

Am sending to you and Jane by parcel post some souvenirs of my 
trip South.

The beads are shells gathered and strung by native Fijians. That, 
of course, is their only claim to interest.

The sea horse is cut from the shell of a tortoise that once roamed
the wilds of Vita Levu seeking its prey.

As you have always had a penchant for collecting things, I imagine 
that you collect coins and currency. So I am sending you a few items
that I acquired during financial transactions involving a tremendous
amount of fiscal acumen to keep from getting gypped by the money
changers. After getting back to my quarters I'd get pencil and paper
and try to figure out just how much I had been gypped. The two French
notes represent part of a thorough gypping in Noumea.

The five franc note of the Bank of Indo-China is interesting because
while passing as currency, it has no actual value. It is a Vichy 
French note issued by a bank largely owned by Japs. I was told that
there was no reserve of resources or assets to back it up. 

The fifty centimes note is Fighting French as you may gather from 
the Cross of Lorraine on the reverse. It is probably not worth a
damn either.

The white metal Fijian penny is a George V mint, the brassy one is
George VI.  The paper pennies were issued, I understand, because
American soldiers have made such a run on the metal ones as souven-
irs.  The latter were getting quite scarce while I was there. This
may also be the reason for the 1s note.

I wish now I had brought home something worth while for all you
children.  I explained to Joan why I had not. It is a sad story.

When you write please tell me about your new job. 

Thanks for yours of the 4th and clipping re fire. I like fires,
but I'm glad I was not there to see that one.    It hurts me
just to think about it. 

Was at Hickam yesterday, and Hully kept me for supper which he
cooked. He is a damn good cook and seems to enjoy it. He let me
read your letter.  That back country means as much to me as to you,
Hulbert, and Joan.

Yes I hope that we can all live at Tarzana some day and definitely
"in separate establishments."

Am glad your Universal job is pleasant as well as profitable. Hope
it develops into something permanent, if that is what you wish. 
Sometimes it can be hell working for a studio. One reason is their 
utter contempt for orthodox working hours, and another is damned
studio politics. 

Wish you were working for Sol Lesser. There is a nice guy and he
likes your dear old father.  And, take it from me, that counts big
in motion pictures.

Have met most of Hulbert's brow beaten slaves. It's about as nice
an organization as I have seen.  I think they are very fond of Hul-
bert.  He pulls no rank, but he insists on perfection; and I think 
he comes pretty near getting it.  He and his men work together just
as a bunch of congenial civilians would.  The only touch of military
is that they address him as Captain.  He calls them all by their
first names.  Your little brother is a gentleman and a damned fine 
officer.  How's about getting him a Prussian haircut and a monocle
for Christmas?

Any time you have extra snapshots of your family, I'd appreciate
some.  I have fallen for J.R., and I know I'm going to fall for 
Danton.

Who dat?